Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling in Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling in Worcester, MA
Who knew that when you started googling “find a therapist near me” that you’d find so many options, and be left with SO many questions? I am here to help!
What is Couples Therapy/Relationship Counseling?
Couples therapy, also known as marriage or relationship counseling, is a type of psychotherapy that aims to help couples resolve conflicts and improve their relationships.
The goals of couples therapy can vary depending on the specific needs and challenges of the couple, but common objectives include improving communication, enhancing emotional intimacy, building trust, and finding constructive ways to address conflicts. Couples therapy can be beneficial for couples at any stage of their relationship, whether they are dating, engaged, married, or considering separation.
During couples therapy sessions, the therapist provides a neutral and supportive environment where both partners can express their thoughts and feelings openly. The therapist helps the couple identify patterns of behavior, communication styles, and underlying issues that may contribute to relationship problems. They also teach the couple new skills and strategies for better communication and problem-solving.
How long do counseling sessions typically last?
Individual and couples therapy sessions are 50 minutes long.
What happens during the first counseling session?
Prior to your first session, you will have filled out and signed all of the paperwork and questionnaires that I will have sent you electronically. I will review some of the policies such as the cancellation policy, how to contact me, what confidentiality means, as well as any questions you may have for me. The first session generally focuses on what brings you to therapy, what you are hoping to get out of therapy, and what goals we can develop for our sessions.
How do I know if I really need counseling?
People decide to enter therapy for a variety of reasons, but mostly because the strategies and supports that used to help them cope are no longer working or are no longer there.
You want to feel better. You want to have less stress and anxiety in your life. You want to have satisfying relationships with people who you can rely on. You want to be able to communicate effectively without you or your loved one “erupting.” You want to be able to be your authentic self. You no longer want to feel like you have to walk on eggshells: feeling like you can never say “no”.
Therapy is a place where you can have unconditional positive regard. With supportive reflection and observation, you will have the opportunity to look deeply at yourself and your relationships as you build the life you deserve.
How often will I need to come to counseling?
I see my clients weekly, especially in the beginning of the therapeutic process. My clients have a recurring scheduled day and time that we meet and can count on. I find this very helpful as it becomes an expected routine, helping you to prepare for what you want to explore/work on in our sessions. The goal is not for people to be in therapy their whole life, but to learn about themselves, develop healthy strategies to cope, and to be able to apply these strategies in real time in real world situations. As you become more equipped, together we will re-evaluate what level of support you need. Some clients attend weekly sessions for months or years, while others initially attend weekly therapy sessions and gradually transition to bi-weekly sessions.
For couples I work with, I tend to see them 2-3 weekly sessions and then move to bi-weekly sessions. This gives couples time to reflect and also work on the skills we are working on in session.
How much do sessions cost?
Individual therapy session rate is $150 per session
Couples therapy session rate is $200 per session
What is the cancellation policy?
I ask that you give 48 hour notice to cancel an appointment. If you do not cancel your appointment within 48 hours of your session, you will be charged the full session fee even if sickness or other situations occur. If you completely forget about your session and miss, you will be charged the full session fee.
Are sessions covered by my insurance?
I do not take insurance. Clients provide their credit card and it is billed on the day of the session.
How do I seek reimbursement from my insurance company?
If your insurance company provides you with out of network benefits, I can provide you with a receipt, (this is called a superbill in insurance speak). A superbill is a receipt that shows the session code that insurances want to see, your diagnosis (because insurance companies require this), the date of your sessions, and how much you paid. You can submit this superbill to your insurance company, and if you have out-of-network benefits, your insurance company may reimburse you for all or a portion of the session. It is best to call your insurance company first to confirm what your benefits are and how to submit your superbill for reimbursement. You can also provide this superbill to your HSA (health savings account) in order to get reimbursed from pretax money you have put into this account.
Do you have evening and weekend appointments available?
I have some evening appointments available.
Where do sessions take place?
I see clients via telehealth using a secure HIPAA compliant platform to offer video counseling.
How do I prepare for a tele-health (online) session?
It is important to find a quiet confidential space where you can openly talk. Make sure your internet connection is strong and stable so your session does not get interrupted by poor internet connection. It is also important that all of my clients are in the state of Massachusetts as that is where my license is issued. Clients who are traveling for business or vacation will not be able to be seen if they are in another state.
Who do you work with?
I see college students, adults, and couples
What if counseling isn't working?
I believe it is important to have an open dialogue about how you feel your sessions are going; what you are liking and finding helpful and what you don’t like or what you are not finding helpful. That way we can adjust what you are needing. If for some reason you are feeling like we are not the right fit, or if you want to work on something that is not my specialty, that is okay! I want to know so I can help you find the right therapist and therapy for you. The goal is to help you feel better and have a life that you thrive in. That said, therapy is a process. I wish I had a magic wand where I could help pain, conflict, burnout, stress and anxiety vanish instantly. Change is not instantaneous, but with consistent and dedicated hard work it can be achieved.
I know it can feel like a big step to call a therapist, but I’ll make it easy. We’ll spend 15-minutes on the phone and I’ll let you know how or if I can help. If I am not the right person, I’ll do my best to get you to the right person.
Contact me here to schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation for counseling in Worcester, Boston, and Massachusetts.